Seasonal Rituals | New year, full of promise…

(this post was originally written in January 2018 – I’m reposting as it is relevant now, with a few amendments).

Before I get in to this post, I want to say this isn’t a post about how this year I’m going transform myself into a fit svelte being, have masses of money, quit biting my nails and travel to all those bucket list places.

No.

But yes… I do want to do/be all those things. But January isn’t going to make that happen. Oh except for the fact I did stop biting my nails. WHOOP! Go me.

This post is about a celebration of who I am, and how life is remarkable and wonderful. How with hard work, self-belief (this is a biggie), family support and true grit – I have turned this blog into my living and I am so god damn proud of that.

2017 was bloody awesome. I fulfilled so many personal work goals, created some fabulous work that I so very proud of. Travelled to Sweden, Spain, France and Costa Rica through this blog. Yes I’m going to say that again – this blog has given me the opportunity to make money and travel to amazing countries with amazing clients. Living the dream.

2018 was equally as awesome. With travel to Sweden again, twice, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy (twice) and more. Brands are putting their faith and investing in me and my work. They seem to like my photography and how I see the world. How I style, create and document life. And that is just about perfect!

Now before this sounds like a list of bragging moments, you have to understand who I am and where this blog came from. Littlegreenshed wasn’t built as a ‘for profit’ blog, like so many new blogs are nowadays. This blog was started back in 2010 as a journal about our family life and being self sufficient on our allotment (hence the name of the blog, I really did have a little green shed).

It took me 4 solid years of creating content, honing my photography skills, finding my online voice to get it to a place where brands took notice of me. I developed and nurtured a following of real people who were/are interested in Lou in Bristol and what she gets up to in her day to day. Many of you may remember when I had two blonde haired toddlers, now they are nearly teenagers! It has been *that* long.

Through those years I’ve battled with my self esteem, I still do. I’ve battled with crippling depression, days when I can’t see anyone, or can’t leave the bed. I still have grey days and I get through them. This blog has helped with that, focusing on things I love, feeling grateful what I have, and seeing the world through a camera has taught me to appreciate life and the small things.

So how did I do it? With all of these things? Well, working hard, staying true to my beliefs, listening to family and friends who pick me up when I’ve fallen down, honing my skills, learning, practising and then – emerging 2018 to having the best year financially of my blogging / influencing career. Eight years after starting this blog.

It’s a long time isn’t it? I suspect other people do it much quicker than me, but that’s their journey and this mine.

2017 was a pivotal year. A year when I made more money that I ever have done. More money than Dan and I have ever made combined. Dan decided to quit his job, and work for Littlegreenshed full time. Having him beside me is the best idea ever. Another person to take the pressure of work away, to talk to every day! (working alone is very lonely). AND best of all we can have the best lunch breaks ever!

2018 I felt I settled into my work life a little bit better. I’ve built solid relationships with brands and other content creators. I still wish for a studio of my own – 2019 WILL be the year for that. Just look at my goals for 2018…

I wanna stop biting my nails. TICK

I want to drink more water. – will I ever?

I want to eat more greens. TICK

I want to grow LGS – have contributors. – perhaps 2019?

I want a studio space – 2019 It will happen!

I want to learn more about photography, business development – take a course or two. I’ve signed up to a few – and looking forward to going back to learning.

I want to walk more, move more. – TICK last September I joined a gym and I’m now fitter than ever.

These are my intentions to add to this list for 2019:

fitness – get down to an ideal weight for my build (I’m not talking dieting, just through exercise)

I don’t do words – I used to. But they seem too floppy and floaty. I don’t do mood boards either. Apart from a pinterest board of inspiration, and a saved 2019 folder on Instagram, which shows a mood that I’m after creatively.

If you are interested in me sharing more about how I go about tuning into my creative thinking like this – then leave a comment below.

Happy New Year my darlings – let’s encourage each other do the best we can. :)

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There is something so beautiful about growing things (blogs, careers, homes, relationships) slowly. I am really happy for you that you’re blog has taken off recently and that you have been able to enjoy the journey to get there.

Well done Lou! I love a success story and it’s all been done by careful hard work, it really does show. I used to love doing my ‘old school’ blog but it all seems part of my history now, things change!
I’m heading to your home ground this weekend for a meeting in Bristol, always love my trips there it’s a wonderful city.
Keep up the good work, and here’s to achieving your aims in 2019! x

Congratulations on the blog taking off! I’m still working on mine… its in that good, itty-bitty stage. Growing slowly can be a REALLY good thing, I think. ☺️ I love your word for 2018! Mine is “scale” which still feels like an odd word, but it’s the right one, for sure. I’ll be writing about it next week!

That’s lovely news – congratulations. Loved seeing your adventures over the last few years while I’ve been reading your blog. My word for this year is PATIENCE. For my family and myself and my blog and my career. I want everything NOW and if there’s a problem I want it fixed. I need to slow down and remember that all things take time!

Littlegreenshed is an online lifestyle magazine founded by Lou Archell. Lou, a nomadic photographer, stylist and writer turned influencer and founder of Sisterhood Camp.
Lou has spent many years travelling the world with a camera in hand. Self taught, she now uses her experience to write and photograph for Littlegreenshed and other publications.
From her studio in Bristol, UK, she uses her expertise in visual storytelling and social media to write her blog, help brands, and businesses bring their products alive.

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